Put the off-field drama to one side for a moment. Whether Pakistan ends up playing India or not, whether schedules shift or headlines flare..
Under Salman Ali Agha, Pakistan heads into the T20 World Cup 2026 with a group that looks balanced, flexible, and very well suited to Sri Lankan conditions. It’s still Pakistan, volatility is part of the package, but there’s enough here to trouble anyone.
Their recent showing against Australia said plenty. They didn’t roll over, the bowlers hit back, and the batting showed intent rather than caution. That makes it worth pausing to ask: what does Pakistan’s best XI actually look like for the World Cup?
Predicted Pakistan Playing XI in T20 World Cup 2026
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Saim Ayub | Opener / All-rounder |
| Sahibzada Farhan | Opener |
| Salman Ali Agha (c) | All-rounder |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Fakhar Zaman | Batter |
| Usman Khan | Wicketkeeper |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder |
| Mohammad Nawaz | All-rounder |
| Faheem Ashraf | All-rounder |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | Fast bowler |
| Usman Tariq | Spinner |
Related Predicted India Playing XI for T20 World Cup 2026
Top Order
The opening pair is likely to be Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan, and that tells you exactly how Pakistan wants to play. Farhan’s form hasn’t been bulletproof, but Ayub has been electric. Across three recent matches, he piled up 119 runs and looked fearless from ball one. If he clicks, Pakistan can be 50 without loss before opponents even settle.
The bigger win, though, has been the captain’s move to No. 3. Salman Ali Agha’s promotion has added control and momentum. His 76 in the second T20I was a statement innings, calm when needed, aggressive when allowed. That top three feels settled. And in T20s, that’s half the battle.
Middle Order
This is where the debate begins. Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam remain the backbone of Pakistan’s batting — but neither arrives without question marks.
- Fakhar averages just 23 after 117 T20Is
- Babar’s strike-rate sits below 130
- In the Big Bash, Babar struggled badly, striking at 102
Sri Lanka isn’t the easiest place to bat fluently. The ball grips, timing isn’t guaranteed, and strike rotation matters. Pakistan will need Fakhar and Babar to adapt quickly rather than bat on reputation. If they do, Pakistan look deep. If they don’t, pressure builds fast.
Usman Khan will follow and also don the gloves behind stumps.
Bowling Lineup
For once, there’s very little hand-wringing about the bowling. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the attack. Naseem Shah provides control and pace. Haris Rauf’s absence isn’t ideal, but not fatal. Faheem Ashraf is likely to be the third fast bowling option.
Spin is where Pakistan could be particularly effective in Sri Lanka. Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz offer control and batting depth, while Usman Tariq bowling action questions, and all remains a mystery opponents haven’t solved yet. His legality may keep getting discussed, but his effectiveness is real. On slow surfaces, this attack can squeeze sides hard.
Pakistan Squad for T20 World Cup 2026
Salman Ali Agha, Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Sahibzada Farhan, Khawaja Mohammad Nafay, Usman Tariq.
As of now, Pakistan are part of the tournament, but logistical and political uncertainties remain a talking point ahead of the competition.
Salman Ali Agha is expected to lead Pakistan, having impressed since taking on a more prominent leadership role.
Babar Azam’s recent concern has been strike-rate rather than consistency, especially in overseas leagues like the Big Bash.
Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Shadab Khan are expected to play decisive roles.
